by David Jackson, USA TODAY

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

President Obama and his family will go ahead and spend the weekend in Key Largo, Fla., with Obama monitoring events in Ukraine from there, the White House said Friday.

"What the president is doing this weekend in Florida is essentially what the president would be doing if he stayed back at the White House," said spokesman Josh Earnest.

"It's just that the weather will be a little warmer."

Top aides and "regular assortment of communication tools" will also be going to Key Largo, allowing Obama to keep in touch with members of his team and other world leaders if necessary, Earnest said.

Earnest said Obama is also looking forward to "a little bit of down time" with wife Michelle and their two daughters.

"There are some recreational amenities on the property, including workout facilities, tennis courts, a couple of golf courses," Earnest said. "If there is an opportunity for the president to enjoy some of those amenities, then he'll do that. But we'll have to see."

Earnest also said: "There's always a chance the schedule could change, but I don't anticipate any changes at this point."

"The White House has not said where Obama will stay on his weekend escape from Washington's frigid weather, but local media reports said he, his wife and their two daughters would be staying at the Ocean Reef Club, a private membership club set on 2,500 tropical acres on the northern tip of Key Largo.

"For avid golfers like Obama, the property boasts two championship 18-hole golf courses. The club also has a swimming lagoon, tennis courts, a spa and fitness center, a private airport and more than a dozen restaurants among its varied offerings."